What is the ruling regarding the second group of followers (Ta'ifa) concerning the Imam's forgetfulness (sahu) during the entirety of the prayer?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of the Prayer of Fear

Book 5 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The second group of followers is subject to the ruling of their Imam's forgetfulness throughout their entire prayer, encompassing both the parts they witnessed and the parts they missed, similar to the latecomer (masbuuq) who is subject to the Imam's forgetfulness regarding the missed portion. The ruling concerning the followers' own forgetfulness does not apply to them in any part of their prayer. This is because when they separate to make up what they missed, they are considered in the ruling of following the Imam, as they give the Tasleem (conclusion of prayer) with him. If the Imam prostrates due to forgetfulness before they complete their missed portion, they must prostrate with him because they are following him. They do not repeat the prostration after finishing their Tashahhud, as they did not become independent of the Imam, so they are not obliged to perform more prostrations than what is obligatory upon him, unlike the latecomer.

Supporting text

The judge stated that this matter depends on the two narrations concerning the latecomer who prostrates with the Imam and then makes up what he missed, the differences between which have previously been mentioned.